CORONA CAROLING

Confession:  this wasn't an original idea from our team here in Equmeniakyrkan på Limhamn (or, as we are known locally as Wesleykyrkan).  In a recent ZOOM call with our regional coworkers from across Skåne (the southern region of Sweden), another team shared about how they were going out and singing for those in the congregation who were isolated at home due to age or medical issues that put them at high risk for corona.

Well, said we, the team from Wesleykrykan, we could do that!

~Think Christmas caroling (which all the Swedes had never done but had often seen in American films. 

~Pray for good weather, grab an accordion and some song books,  and get out the door and sing!

At this home, the recipients of our joy were 8 floors up ~ totally safe social distancing!

Our first week, we walked for 3 hours, carrying the accordion with us as we walked down the streets of Limhamn, and visited 7 single people and couples who were able to enjoy our repetoire of 2 songs as we sang outside, from a socially distant safe place for all.  It was like we were singing to corona "take that, corona virus!" (super heros that we were that day!)  Tears of joy at being remembered, tears of joy as familiar songs were sung.  Joy.  Pure joy!

It was so great to watch people join in ~ the two ladies on the left!

Joy, unspeakable joy!

One friend said "when I lived in Germany, we would throw down money to the group that was singing for us.  I won't throw money at you guys, because I'm so glad you came!"  Then gave us a contribution for the church's expenses.

We weren't looking for money.

We were just looking for the chance to share some joy:  the joy of sharing music, sharing life, and sharing faith.

So much fun, we decided to go for another round the next week.  We expanded our territory and visited 6 homes within a short driving distance.  Super fun!  Favorite memory of that morning:  the 90+ year old woman from our congregation who had been in hospital twice suffering from COVID-19 who had survived and was waiting outdoors to greet us in the bright morning sun, with her sunglasses on, looking like a regal queen as she sat in her chair at the top of her driveway.  Another man, a former pastor of the Swedish Covenant Church in Limhamn, had invited his neighbors to listen as we shared, including the orthodox priest who lived across the street from him.

It sure helped to have such great weather.  Vitamin D overload!

Getting our act together...

Steve was a great sport in helping carrying the accordion

And now, well, we decided we were on a roll.  Round 3 had us driving a bit further out back into the city of Malmö, and blessing 7 homes with music, more sunshine, and several other people joined in from their balconies as they heard the music.  Even some city workers stopped their work activities and paused to take it all in.

Corona caroling.  Live.  Complete with benedictions and blessing.  It was the best!